Whether you are looking to save money on fuel or improve your trucking operations, ELDs can help. Here are some ways they can help your company save time and money.
One of the most significant ELD benefits is that it helps drivers maintain their duty status or RODS. It automatically records the information and transmits it to the proper channels.
Reduced Paperwork and Administrative Costs
Trucking companies are under pressure to reduce costs and improve efficiency in the face of high fuel prices, driver shortages, and regulatory compliance. ELDs can help save time and money by limiting the amount of paperwork that drivers have to complete.
Paper logs require truckers to track their service hours and other critical information, such as brakes and fuel consumption. However, they can be inaccurate and prone to human error. Mistakes in these records can invite CSA scores and hefty fines.
Unlike paper logs, ELDs automatically record and store this data, making them more reliable and avoiding the need for errors. The FMCSA estimates that electronic logging devices will cut $1.6 billion in paperwork costs for trucking companies.
In addition to reducing paperwork, ELDs are more efficient and can free up drivers’ time. Previously, truckers had to spend an average of 20 hours a year filling out paper logs and reporting their work.
This time spent completing paper logs meant they needed more time to focus on driving, which could result in poor productivity. As a result, some trucking companies have reported lower-than-expected profits.
One way to combat this issue is to offer a thorough training program to employees. This can include an in-person session with mentors or online classes. This can provide an excellent opportunity to discuss the new technology and its benefits.
A well-designed and comprehensive training program can ensure that your employees are confident using the ELD system. This can improve your company’s productivity and help make it more profitable.
ELDs can also help your trucking company reduce fuel usage by tracking engine activity, including when a vehicle is idling and using valuable diesel. This data can help identify drivers wasting fuel by idling too long and encourage them to adopt more effective driving habits.
While implementing a new system may take some time, once your employees are accustomed to the ELD and its features, their productivity will skyrocket. During the initial implementation process, have strong change management and comprehensive training so your truckers can quickly become comfortable using ELDs.
Streamlined Tracking
Tracking is a critical aspect of any trucking company’s operations. Truck tracking software ensures that your drivers are always on time and on the correct route, saving you money and increasing customer satisfaction.
When you install an ELD, you also provide your drivers with real-time data about their driving hours. This can help you keep track of their hours and make sure they’re complying with regulations.
By automating this process, you can save time and money and free your employees to focus on more critical tasks. This can significantly impact your bottom line, as every minute you spend managing paperwork and administrative costs needs to be spent growing your business.
Additionally, you can use the data from your ELD to analyze trends and patterns that affect your efficiency. This can help you identify areas where you may be losing money and find ways to improve your business.
For example, some drivers take longer than necessary at loading or unloading points. In that case, you can use this information to determine how to improve these processes. By making the process easier, you can ensure your drivers stay on schedule and maximize their productivity while saving you money.
Another way to streamline your trucking operations is to invest in GPS tracking. This technology lets you track your trucks’ locations and send alerts if they leave or enter a designated area.
It also helps you plan routes more efficiently, ensuring your drivers are always on the right road and reaching their destination as quickly as possible. This can also reduce fuel and maintenance expenses, increasing your bottom line.
The best trucking tracking systems are a blend of technology and human oversight. They provide you with real-time access to the location of your drivers and their vehicles and detailed reports about their activities.
These tools can manage your fleet, dispatch orders, and monitor driver performance. They can also help you meet regulatory requirements and enhance customer satisfaction.
Reduced Fuel Consumption
Truck drivers can save a lot of fuel by limiting their speed and making minor changes to their driving habits. According to the American Trucking Association (ATA), a truck that speeds up to 75 miles per hour uses 27% more fuel than one that slows to 65 mph.
If you’re a trucker, you already know fuel is expensive. But you also know that reducing fuel consumption will help your business stay competitive and increase profits.
The good news is that you can quickly reduce your truck’s fuel consumption and cut back on costs with ELDs. These devices help you track driving hours and keep accurate records, which can help you get more miles on your trucks and avoid roadside inspections.
For example, ELDs can tell you if a driver is nearing their maximum driving hours and can alert them to take a break or speed up. This will help keep them from becoming tired and injuring themselves or their passengers.
Other ways to reduce fuel use include minimizing the number of stops you make and starting your truck in the cold. These practices can reduce fuel consumption by up to 30%, and if you do them on all trips, it could add up fast.
You can also reduce fuel costs by minimizing the cargo you load on your truck. Less weight in the bed or trailer can significantly increase fuel efficiency.
Another way to improve your mpg is to keep your truck in its “sweet spot,” or its most efficient RPM. Increasing the engine’s RPM to the point where it cannot maintain optimal speed will cause your vehicle to burn more fuel and lead to higher maintenance and repair costs.
Keeping your trucks lubricated and appropriately greased is also essential for fuel economy. This will prevent friction and reduce the work your engine has to do.
You can even take it one step further and implement a telematics system to train your drivers on fuel-efficient driving behaviors. This will help you to see significant improvements in your fleet’s MPG and fuel savings over time.
Increased Efficiency
ELDs can help save truckers time and money in various ways. For example, they can reduce the hour's drivers spend on paperwork and make it easier for drivers to meet their HOS requirements. They can also ensure that drivers are not fatigued, decreasing the likelihood of accidents.
Another way ELDs can save time and money for truckers is by reducing fuel costs. They can help track engine idling, allowing fleet managers to identify where they can cut down on fuel consumption. They can also give fleet managers more insight into their routes, enabling them to optimize them for maximum efficiency.
One of the important reasons truckers love ELDs is that they can help them track their productivity. This can allow truckers to identify areas where they are not getting as much work done as they should and allow them to make changes that will improve their performance.
In addition, it can help them plan their routes in advance so they can avoid traffic and get to their destinations on time. This can also help them save money in the long run, as they can get more loads done in less time.
Drivers can also use ELDs to keep track of their hours while on the road, which helps them stay safe and comply with regulations. They can also track their idling time to identify places where they are not getting enough rest, which will reduce the risk of accidents caused by tired drivers.
While ELDs can benefit drivers and fleet managers, there are some things to consider before using them. For example, you should research to ensure the ELDs you choose to comply with all trucking regulations.
You should also ensure you have a plan for administering and managing the device. This can include implementing driver training and ensuring your drivers know how to use the device correctly.
